The City of Lockport has been awarded a $50,000 New York State grant for tree maintenance that supports community tree projects to protect natural resources, air and water quality.
In celebration of Arbor Day, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation announced 26 grants totaling $1.18 million to communities across the state.
The awards, part of the second phase of grants through DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, allows communities to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees.
“The City of Lockport is excited to receive this grant, and the opportunity it provides. This will both address residents’ safety concerns with neighborhood trees, and provide the impetus to replant in the future,” said Mayor Michelle M. Roman. “This is a critical next step in our Master Plan for the care of our city’s trees.”
With the announcement, a total of $2.6 million is being awarded to 64 projects across the state. The awarded projects were selected from 154 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders.
“This is just another step in rejuvenating and replenishing the City of Lockport’s vast tree inventory,” said Fifth Ward Alderman Richard E. Abbott, who also serves as the chairman of the city’s Tree Committee. “The removal of dead and dangerous trees will make the City safer and more aesthetically pleasing. I am proud to have worked collaboratively with the Streets Department, Engineering Department, Nussbaumer and Clarke, GLDC, Mayor’s office and Tree Committee to make this project a reality.”
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos made the grants announcement with Lt. Gov. Hochul. “Investing in the health of New York’s communities through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund is providing crucial assistance to help our state’s vital forests to thrive”, Seggos said.
For more information about the Urban and Community Forestry Program, visit the DEC’s website, www.dec.ny.gov.